TWO schoolboys were rushed to hospital after suffering severe acid burns while playing in the grounds of a Wirral industrial unit.

TWO schoolboys were rushed to hospital after suffering severe acid burns while playing in the grounds of a Wirral industrial unit.

It is believed the children turned over a barrel and hydrofluoric acid leaked on to one boy's arm and the other's leg.

The youngsters, aged 12 and 10, were taken to Alder Hey hospital where they were treated for serious burns.

Six police officers who attended the emergency and came into contact with the children were treated at Arrowe Park Hospital and later released.

Five Army green goddesses watered down the spill and officers of the Health and Safety Executive have now begun an investigation.

The incident took place in the yard of an industrial unit at the Argyle Industrial Estate, Argyle Street East in Birkenhead last night. A police spokesman said: "The two boys are understood to have been playing and picked up a chemical drum believing it to be empty.

"At this point some of the substance leaked out on to the arm of one boy and the leg of the other.

"Their injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

"Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical. Only a very small amount of contact with this substance is needed to cause damage."

The force called in a chemical advisor to guide officers on how to treat the spillage and imposed a 20-yard cordon around the drum.